River Systems MCQs Quiz | Class 9

Welcome to the Class IX Geography quiz on the Unit ‘Drainage’. This quiz specifically covers the topic ‘River Systems’, focusing on the distinction and characteristics of Himalayan versus Peninsular rivers. Test your knowledge of India’s major drainage systems, including the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri basins. After completing the 10 multiple-choice questions, click ‘Submit Quiz’ to view your score and detailed explanations. You can also download a comprehensive PDF answer sheet for your revision notes.

Overview: River Systems of India

The drainage systems of India are mainly controlled by the broad relief features of the subcontinent. Accordingly, the Indian rivers are divided into two major groups: the Himalayan rivers and the Peninsular rivers. While Himalayan rivers are perennial and originate from glaciers, Peninsular rivers are seasonal and depend on rainfall.

1. The Himalayan Rivers

The major Himalayan rivers are the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra. These rivers are long and are joined by many large and important tributaries.

  • The Indus River System: Rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarovar. It flows west, enters India in Ladakh, and drains into the Arabian Sea. Its tributaries include the Zaskar, Nubra, Shyok, Hunza, Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum.
  • The Ganga River System: The headwaters, Bhagirathi, are fed by the Gangotri Glacier and joined by the Alaknanda at Devaprayag. It flows eastwards till Farakka in West Bengal. The mainstream flows south into Bangladesh and is joined by the Brahmaputra (Jamuna).
  • The Brahmaputra River System: Rises in Tibet east of Mansarovar. It is known as the Tsangpo in Tibet and carries a smaller volume of water and less silt there. In India (Arunachal Pradesh), it is known as the Dihang and carries a large volume of water and silt.

2. The Peninsular Rivers

The main water divide in Peninsular India is formed by the Western Ghats. Most major rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow eastwards and drain into the Bay of Bengal, forming deltas. The Narmada and the Tapi are the only long rivers which flow west and make estuaries.

  • Narmada Basin: Rises in the Amarkantak hills. Flows through a rift valley.
  • Tapi Basin: Rises in the Satpura ranges (Betul district). Also flows in a rift valley parallel to the Narmada.
  • Godavari Basin: The largest Peninsular river, often called the Dakshin Ganga. It rises in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
  • Mahanadi Basin: Rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh.
  • Krishna Basin: Rises near Mahabaleshwar.
  • Kaveri Basin: Rises in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats.

Comparison: Himalayan vs. Peninsular Rivers

Feature Himalayan Rivers Peninsular Rivers
Nature Perennial (water throughout the year). Seasonal (dependent on rainfall).
Source Glaciers and snow-covered mountains. Plateau highlands and Western Ghats.
Course Long courses, perform intense erosion. Shorter and shallower courses.
Terrain Flow through rugged mountains and plains. Flow through rocky plateau areas.

Quick Revision Facts

  • River Capture: A phenomenon where a river captures the water of another river.
  • Drainage Patterns: Dendritic (tree-like), Trellis (hard/soft rocks parallel), Rectangular (strongly jointed terrain), and Radial (domes).
  • Lakes: Wular Lake (tectonic activity), Chilika Lake (lagoon), Sambhar Lake (saltwater).
  • National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Aimed at improving the water quality of rivers.

Extra Practice Questions

  1. Name the largest freshwater lake in India. (Answer: Wular Lake)
  2. Which river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’? (Answer: Kosi)
  3. What is the name of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh? (Answer: Jamuna)
  4. Which river makes the second biggest waterfall in India, Shivasamudram? (Answer: Kaveri)
  5. Through which states does the Indus river flow in India? (Answer: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab)